The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission announced the appointment of Michael McCray as public relations and cultural development specialist.
“McCray brings extensive experience in cultural tourism promotion, strategic communications, rural and community economic development to this newly configured role,” according to a news release.
McCray recently served as cultural development specialist for the city of Pine Bluff’s Office of Economic and Community Development, where he successfully positioned Pine Bluff as an emerging destination for cultural tourism and culinary experiences, according to the release.
In his new role, McCray will focus on enhancing Pine Bluff’s public relations efforts, developing cultural programming that drives tourism, and strengthening partnerships with local cultural institutions, state tourism officials, and community stakeholders.
McCray holds a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center, a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from Howard University, and a Master of Arts degree in producing film, video and television from American University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Florida A&M University.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
His achievements include recruiting the city’s first cultural festival to the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District, developing innovative culinary arts programming, and aligning local initiatives with all five Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism priorities: outdoor recreation, culinary tourism, hunting and fishing, arts and culture, music and events.
“Michael’s proven track record in cultural development and strategic communications makes him an ideal fit for this position,” said Sheri Storie, executive director of the Advertising and Promotion Commission. “His ability to build strategic partnerships, generate positive media coverage, and create meaningful cultural programming will be invaluable as we work to enhance Pine Bluff’s tourism profile and economic vitality.”
While working with the city, McCray:
• Successfully coordinated the Delta Food-Expo & Cultural Summit, featuring nationally acclaimed speakers (JBF Award-winning Chef Brandon Chrostowski, and Quantia Fletcher, American Alliance of Museums) and connecting Pine Bluff with state heritage and tourism officials;
• Secured county authorization for the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Blues & Wellness Plaza restroom facilities;
• Established partnerships with the American Alliance of Museums and identified three local institutions with accreditation potential;
• Promoted the recruitment of a culinary innovation hub for downtown Pine Bluff, generating statewide press coverage; and
• Authored strategic op-eds promoting Pine Bluff’s culinary initiatives and downtown revitalization efforts.
“I am honored to join the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission and excited about the opportunity to amplify Pine Bluff’s unique cultural assets and tourism potential,” McCray said. “Pine Bluff has an incredible story to tell — from our rich musical heritage along the Delta Rhythm & Bayous corridor to our emerging culinary scene and historic museums. I look forward to working with the A&P Commission team to showcase these assets and attract visitors to our community.”
McCray currently serves as vice chair of the James Beard Foundation’s Awards Ethics Committee, overseeing standards for the nation’s most prestigious culinary awards. He is also the co-founder and managing director of the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival in Washington, D.C., which was recognized as “Best Festival” for innovation in Arts, Film & Culture by FestForums in 2019.
He’s had leadership roles with the Presidential Empowerment Zone Initiative, where he oversaw a $40 million federal community development program, and account management positions with leading Arkansas multi-cultural advertising and marketing firms including The Design Group and Advantage Communications.